Figures Reveal Rise in Scottish Road Fatalities

Transport Scotland has published the final road casualty figures for 2016, which confirm that 191 people lost their lives in Scotland during that year, a rise of 14% compared to the previous year.

The statistics are based on road casualties reported to the police in Scotland in 2016. In addition to the rise in fatalities, there was also an increase in the number of people seriously injured, rising 6% from 2015’s figure to 1,697. However, there was a 1% fall in the total number of road casualties, with figures falling from 10,973 in 2015 to 10,901 in 2016, which is apparently the lowest number since records began.

Key Statistics

Other details revealed by the statistics include:

there were 1,000 child casualties in reported road accidents 2016, an increase of 4% since 2015. This included twelve fatalities, eight more than 2015, and 167 children who were seriously injured, up from 139 from 2015.

there were three more pedal cyclists killed than in 2015 and 12 less pedestrian fatalities. There were also three more motorcyclists killed and thirty one more car user fatalities.

There was a 19% increase in car users seriously injured and motorcyclists seriously injured increased by 4%. However, there was a 7% reduction in pedestrians seriously injured, a 10% decrease in pedal cyclists seriously injured and bus casualties seriously injured decreased from 49 to 42 between 2015 and 2016.

The Transport Scotland statistics also provide an update on what progress has been made against Scotland’s road safety targets. Compared to the 2004-2008 baseline, in 2016 there were:

Transport Minister’s Reaction

“The publication today confirms what we know from statistics provided in June 2017. It’s disappointing that there has been an increase in the number of fatalities and the number of people seriously injured on our roads in 2016.

“From last year, we can see that overall casualties fell by one per cent between 2015 and 2016 from 10,973 to 10,901, the lowest number since records began, and there are clear longer term downward trends we should acknowledge. There are 35% reductions in both fatal and serious injuries compared to the 2004-2008 baseline figures. We remain on track to deliver the objectives set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020.

“The Scottish Government has taken decisive action by lowering the drink-drive limit in 2014. Road Safety Scotland continues to work with partners to deliver effective learning resources targeted at the most vulnerable road users. Additionally, we continue to progress the Seatbelts on School Transport (Scotland) Bill through the Scottish Parliament to help keep our children safe on school journeys.

“Through continued education, enforcement and engineering, we are well placed to progress in the right direction towards our targets, making Scotland’s roads safer for everyone."

"I would like to thank you for all your efforts. The practice has shown professional standards and always communicated with updates, regularly. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending the practice if required"